Pentacyclic steroids and process for their preparation



wherein R is hydrogen, an alkyl group containing up to 3,265,717 PENTACYCLIC STEROIDS AND PROCESS FOR THEIR PREPARATION James Macfarlane Allison, Derek Burn, and Vladimir Petrow, London, England, assignors to The British Drug Houses Limited No Drawing. Filed Apr. 6, 1964, Ser. No. 357,790 Claims priority, application Great Britain, Apr. 10, 1963, 14,447/63 35 Claims. (Cl. 260-3973) ticular, this invention provides novel steroidal compounds having, apart from substituents and/or unsaturated linkages in rings A, B, C and D, the'formula 6 carbon atoms or an aryl group.

The compounds having. the structure (I) mayv readily be converted, for example, into cortical hormones having a pentacyclic nucleus, which compounds are known to possess valuable biological properties (see,-for example, U.S.- Patent 3,070,507).

Thus, reduction of a ketone having the structure (I) yields an alcohol having the partial structure Oxidative hydroxyla-tion of the double bond present in compound (II) where R=H leads to pentacyclic corticoids having the partial formula (III) rates Patent 0 3,265,717 Patented August 9, 1966 2 such, for example, as those described in US. Patent 3,070,507.

According to the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of pentacyclic steroids having the partial formula where R is hydrogen, an alkyl group containing up to 6 carbon atoms or an aryl group, which process comin which R is H or CO Alk, with methyl vinylketone 'or an analogue thereof under basic conditions to yield a l6-(3'-oxoalkyl)-17-oxo-steroid having the partial structure where R has the same meaning as above, and reacting the intermediate with a strong basic reagent to effect cyclisation. The condensation reaction is a typical Michael addition, and it is evident that substituted vinyl ketones, and chemical equivalents thereof (see, for example, Organic Reactions, volume X, pages 179 et seq., John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York, 1959), may be employed.

The preferred starting materials of. the present invention are l6-formyl (or 16-hydroxymethylene)-17-ket0- steroids (IV, R'=H). These materials are well known in prior art, and may be prepared, for example, by treating a 17-keto-steroid with methyl or ethyl formate in the presence of a basic condensation reagent such, for example, as sodium 'hydride or sodium methoxide (see, for example Ruzicka, Prelog and Bat-tegay, Helv. Chim. Acta, 1948, 31, 1296). When using a l6-ethoxalyl-l7-ketone having the partial structure (IV, R'==CO Et) as starting material, the 17-ketone may be treated with, for example, diethyloxalate in an analogous manner (see, for example, Ruggieri, Ferrari and Gandolfi, Gazz. Chim. Italia, 1961, 91, 672).

The 16-(3-oxoalkyl)-l7-ketone (having the partial structure V) may be prepared by treating the foregoing 16-formyl- (IV, R'-=H) or 16-ethoxa1yl-17-ketone (IV, R'=CO Et) with methyl vinyl ketone under basic conditions.

Thus the starting materials (IV, R=H or CO Alk) may be dissolved or suspended in an inert solvent such, for example, as pyridine, tetrahydrofuran or dioxan and treated with freshly distilled methyl vinyl ketone, which may contain an oxidation inhibitor if so desired, in the presence of a basic condensing agent such, .for example, as trimethylamine or triethylamine. The reaction is preferably carried out in an inert atmosphere and at a temperature in the range of to 50 C. Room temperature is, however, preferred and elevated temperatures should be avoided in order to minimise too rapid loss of methyl vinyl ketone .by polymerisation. Under the preferred conditions a reaction time of 1 to days is satisfactory. The product may be isolated by dilution of the reaction mixture with water followed by extraction with a water immiscible solvent such as ether or benzene. The material thus obtained may, if desired, be purified by conventional means such as crystallisation or chromatography. It may however be used in the impure state for the subsequent reaction.

The cyclisation stage is carried out by treating the foregoing l6-(3'-oxobutyl)-l7-oxo steroid and analogues thereof (V) with a strong basic reagent. The preferred conditions consist in treating the intermediate (V) with a solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide in aqueous ethanol at the refluxing temperature of the mixture. The reaction is preferably carried out in an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen and is generally complete within /2 to 6 hours. Other water miscible solvents such as propanol or dioxan may also be used. The product may be isolated by pouring the reaction mixture into water and either filtering or extracting with a water immiscible solvent.

The foregoing reaction sequences may be applied to a wide variety of androstane and oestrane derivatives, which may be substituted and/or unsaturated in rings A, B, C and D (other than at C Thus it may be applied to androstane and oestrane derivatives containing:

(a) Hydroxyl, acyloxy or alkyloxy groups, and in particular such groups at C C C C C C C C u 12 14. 15 C18 and 19- (b) Unsaturated linkages, and in particular such linkages at A1 A2, A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 AQUO) A901) ll and combinations thereof such as A A, and aromatic rings such as ring A and/or ring B.

(c) Alkyl groups, and in particular methyl groups at C C C C C C and C cycloalkyl groups and in particular cyclomethylene groups.

(d) Nitrogen substituted alkyl groups, and in particular dialkylaminomethyl groups at C C and C (e) Alkenyl, alkynyl and haloalknyl groups and in particular such groups at C C C and C (f) Halogen atoms, and in particular fluorine at C C3, C5, C5 and C9.

It will be apparent that carbonyl groups (other than at C will interfere with the present process. Such carbonyl groups, for example, at C C C C C C must be protected by reduction to a hydroxyl group, or by conversion into a ketal, enol ether, or similar alkaliresistant group. In order to prepare a pentacyclic steroid possessing a 4-en-3-one system, it may be convenient to work with the corresponding 5-en-3-ol, and to subsequently generate the required 4-en-3-one system, for example, by oxidation. The process may also be applied to steroidal materials having additional carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings attached to, for example, ring A. Such compounds are well known to those skilled in the art and include such starting materials containing additional aromatic and heterocyclic rings attached to ring A, where the heterocyclic rings may contain nitrogen, including for example, [3,2-C]-phenyl (and substituted phenyl) pyrazoles such structures additionally containing a 6-methyl group and unsaturated linkages at C and C if desired, oxygen and sulphur atoms.

Following is a description by way of example of methods of carrying the invention into effect.

The following nomenclature is adopted in the examples. The saturated pentacyclic steroid nucleus has been given the trivial name pentarame, with the numbering shown in the diagram. The usual rules of steroid nomenclature are followed.

A solution of BB-hydroxyandrost-S-en-l7-0ne g.) and ethyl formate (100 ml.) in dry benzene (100 ml.) was stirred with sodium methoxide (prepared from 24 g. of sodium) at room temperature, under nitrogen, for 1 hour. The mixture was then refluxed for 1 /2 hours, cooled and poured into water (ca. 5000 1111.). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was'acidified with dilute sulphuric acid and the resulting precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried. The product 16-formyl-3p-hydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one had M.P. 244247 C.

A suspension of the above product (70 g.) in dry pyridine (700 ml.) containing triethylamine (20 ml.) and methyl vinyl ketone (50 ml., stabilised with a trace of hydroquinone) was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen for 3 days, during which time the suspended solid had dissolved. The solvent was removed under -reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on alumina (800 g.) in benzene. Elution with benzene: ether 1:1) gave 3fl-hydroxy-16-(3-oxobuty1)-androst-5- en-17-one, prisms from acetone, M.P. 156-l56.5 C.,

[111 +11.7 (c., 1.0 in chloroform).

A solution of the foregoing product (14.5 g.) and potassium hydroxide (50 g.) in ethanol (250 ml.) and water (250 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 5 /2 hours. The solid obtained on pouring the solution into water was crystallised from acetone to give 3/8-hydroxypentara-5,

17(20)-d1'en-21-one as needles, M.P. l9l.5192 C., 19 -97.4 (c., 1.1 in chloroform),

x253? 237 my (6 16,260) The compound had claudogenic properties. The 3 3- acetate, prepared with acetic anhydride and pyridine, crystallised from aqueous methanol as needles, M.P. 206.5- 207.5 C., [(1) 107 (c., 1.0 in chloroform),

xii? 236 mu (6 16,980)

The 21-oxime, prepared with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in ethanol and pyridine, crystallised from chloroform-methanol as rods, M.P. 240 C. (decomp.), [(11 160 (c., 0.3 in chloroform). It had C.N.S. properties.

The 313,2l-diacetate was prepared by reducing 3,8-hydroxypentara-S,l7(20)-dien-2l-one with sodium borohymax.

- It had claudogenic properties.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 3,9-hydroxy-6-methylpentara- 5,17(20) dien-21-one Me 7 v A solution of 3,8-hydroxy-fi-methylandrdst-S-en-17-one g.) and ethyl formate '(10 ml.) in dry benzene (100 ml.) was stirred with sodium methoxide (prepared from 2.5 g. of sodium) at room temperature, under nitrogen,

for 1 hour. The mixture was then refluxed for 1 hour, cooled, and poured into water. The organic phase was separated, the aqueous phase was acidified with dilute sulphuric acid, and the resulting precipitate was collected,

washed with water and dried. The product l6-formyl- (1:1) gave 3,8 hydroxy 6 methyl 16 (3' oxobutyl)-androst-5-en-17-one, needles from acetone-hexane, M.P. 130-l31 C. It had claudogenic activity.

A solution of the foregoing compound (3.8 g.) and potassium hydroxide g.) in ethanol (75 ml.) and water (75 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 6 hours. The solution was poured into water and the organic material was extracted into ether. Evaporation of the washed and dried extract gave a gum which was crystallised from acetone to give 3fl-hydroxy-6-methylpentara- 5,17()-dien-21-one as plates, M.P. 196197.5 C., [04 -129.7 (0., 1.0 in chloroform),

A553? 236 m (e 17,000) It had claudogenic activity.

The Pitt-acetate, prepared with acetic anhydride and pyridine, crystallised from aqueous methanol as plates M.P. 182-182.5 C., 11 --111.5 (c., 1.0 in chloroform),

EtOK 6u-methylpentara-4,l7(20)-diene-3,21-dio'ne was prepared by Oppenauer oxidation of the foregoing SB-hydroxy-6-methylpentara-5,17(20)-dien-2l-one. It crystallised from acetone-hexane as blades, M.P. 1925-193 0., +41 (c., 0.6 in chloroform),

rate? 238 mu (e 27,740) It had C.N.S. and claudogenic properties.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation 0] 1 1 fl-hydroaypmtara4J 7 (20) -diene 3,21 -di0nc 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l1B-hydroxyandrost-5-en-l7-one was prepared by reducing the 3-ketal of cortisone acetate with sodium borohydride under vigorous conditions and oxidising the product with sodium metaperiodate. It crystallised from aqueous methanol containing a trace of pyridine as needles, M.P. 2l4214.5 C., [ah- +14 (c., 1.0 in dioxan).

The foregoing product was treated with ethyl formate and sodium methoxide as described in Example 1. The product 3 ,3-ethylenedioxy-16-formyl-l l-hydroxy-androst- 5-en-l7-one, had M.P. 231-233" C. (decomp.).

The last compound was treated with methyl vinyl ketone as described in Example 1. of the product gave 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l1fl-hydroxy-l6- (3-oxobutyl)-androst-5-en-17one, as needles from acetone-hexane, M.P. 173.5-174 C., [11],}? +7.4 (0., 0.75 in chloroform).

3,3-ethylenedioxy llfl hydroxy l6 (3' oxobutyl)- androst-5-en-l7-one was treated with aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide as described in Example 1. The product which separated was crystallised from methylene chloride-acetone (containing a trace of pyridine) to give 3,3 ethylenedioxy 1113 hydroxypentara 5,17(20)- dien-21 one as plates, M.P. 241241.5 C., [0:1 -108.4 (c., 1.05 in chloroform),

A 237 mu (6 11,500)

Preparation of pen tam-4 ,1 7(20) -diene-3,11,21-trione 3,3 ethylenedioxyandrost 5 ene 11,17 dione was prepared by reducing cortisone acetate 3-ketal with sodium borohydride under mild conditions and oxidising the product with sodium metaperiodate.

It was treated successively with ethylformate and sodium methoxide, methyl vinyl ketone and finally, aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide as described in Example 1.

Chromatography Deketalisation of the product with aqueous acetic acid gave pentara-4,17(20)-diene-3,l1,2l-trione as prisms from acetone, M.P. 243-246 C., +104 (c., 0.75 in chloroform),

AELOH max.

The compound had claudogenic and glucocorticoid properties.

EXAMPLE Preparation of 11u-hydr0xypentara-4J7(20)-diene- 3,21-di0ne Preparation of 3-meth0xypcnlara-3,5,l7(20)-trien-21-0ne MeO The 3-methyl enol ether of androst-4-ene-3,l7-dione was treated successively with ethyl-formate/ sodium methoxide and methyl vinyl ketone as described in Example 1. The product crystallised from methylene chloride-methanol (containing a few drops of pyridine) to give 3-methoxy-16-(3'-oxobutyl)-androsta-3,5-dien-l7-one as blades, M.P. 135-137 (3., [m1 63.2 (c., 1.5 in chloroform),

Er OK mul- The foregoing product (4.2 g.) and potassium hydroxide (13 g.) in ethanol (100 ml.) and water (40 ml.) were refluxed under nitrogen for 2 hours. The precipitated solid was collected and crystallised from methylene chloride-methanol (containing a trace of pyridine). 3- mcthoxypentara-3,5,l7(20)-trien-2l-one formed plates, M.P. 227-230 C., [a] -27l (c.,. 1.8 cholorform),

Am 239 m, (35,110)

Treatment of the foregoing material with aqueous acetic acid gave pentara-4,17(20)-diene-3,21-dione, M.P. 205 207 C identical with that obtained in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation 0 f 3B-hydroxy-20-m ethy lpentara- 5,17(20)-dien-21-0ne The process of Example 1 was repeated, substituting ethyl vinyl ketone for methyl vinyl ketone. The product crystallised from methylene chloride-acetone to give 3,8- hydroxy- 20 -methylpentara 5,17(20) dien-2l-one as prisms, M.P. 244246 C., [111 ---42.6 (c., 0.7 in chloroform),

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 2a-methylpentara- 4,1 7 (20)-diene-3,21-di0ne The process of Example 1 employing successively ethyl formate/sodium methoxidc, methyl vinyl ketone and aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide was applied to 3,3-ethylenedioxy-Za-methylandrost-S-en-17-one, to yield, after deketalisation with dilute aqueous acetic acid, 2amethylpentara-4,17(20)-diene-3,2 l-dione, having A228. 239 mu. (6 34,000

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation 0 f 4-meflzylpenmra-4, I 7 (20) -diene-3,2I-di0nc The process of Example 1 employing successively ethyl formate/sodium mcthoxide, methyl vinyl ketone and aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide was applied to 3,3-ethylenedioxy-4-methylandrost-4-cn-17-one to give, lafter -deketalisation, 4-methylpentara-4,l7(20)-diene-3,2ldione, having Am? 246 mp (630,000

9 EXAMPLE Preparation of 6-fluoro-3p-hydroxypentam- 5,17()-dien-21-0ne The process of Example 1 employing successively ethyl formate/sodium met'hoxide, methyl vinyl ketone and aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide was applied to 6- fluoro-3fl-hydroXyandr0st-5-en-17-0116 and gave 6-fluoro- 3fi-hydroxypentara-5,17(20)-dien-2l-one,

EXAMPLE 11' Preparation of J-methoxy-6-methylpntara- 3,5,1 7 (20) -trien-2I-0ne EtOH EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 6-dimethylaminomethyl-3' methoxypentara-3,5 ,1 7(20) -trien-21-one The process of Example 1 employing successively ethyl formate/sodium methoxide, methyl vinyl ketone and aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide was applied to 6-dimethylaminomethyl-3-methoxyiandrosta-3,5-dien 17- one and gave 6-dimethylaminomethyl-3-methoxypentara- 3,5,l7(20)-trien-2l-one having him? 246 m (31,000) EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 3fl-hydroxypentara-5,9, (11 ,1 7 (20 trien-ZI -one The process of Example 1 employing successively ethyl formate/sodium methoxide, methyl vinyl ketone and aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide was applied to 313- hydroxyandrosta-5,9(ll)-dien-17-one and gave 3p-hydroxypentara-5,9(1 1) 1 7 20) -trien-2 l-one having A212? 237 m (e 16,250)

I EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 3-methoxy-19-norpentara-1,3,5 (10)17(20)- tetraen-ZLane MeO The process of Example 1 employing successively ethyl formate/sodium methoxide, methyl vinyl ketone and aqueous alcoholic potassium hydroxide was applied-to the methyl ether of oestrone and gave 3-methoxy-19-norpen tam-1,3,5 (10),17,(20)-tetraen-21-one having Asa? M.P. 241.5-242 C., [ab-4.0 (c., 0.88), X 234 m (e 24,390). The compound is of value on account of its claudogenic properties.

7 EXAMPLE is Preparation of pentara-1,4,17(20)- triene-3,21-dione A solution of 3fi-hydroxy-l6-[3-oxobutyl]-androst-5- en-l7-one (prepared as described in Example 1) (4.40 g.) in Analar acetone was flushed out with nitrogen and treated with chromium trioxide/sulphuric acid reagent (5.8 ml.) at 0 C. for 3 minutes then poured into water and filtered giving a white solid (3.2 g.). Crystallisation from acetone/hexane gave 16-(3'-oxobutyl) -androst- 5-ene3,17-dione, M.P. 134135 C.[a] +43 (c., 0.76).

A solution of the above compound (3.0 g.) in methanol (60 ml.) was treated with 5% potassium hydroxide solution (0.1 ml.) and boiled on the steam bath for 15 minutes. Acetic acid (0.4 ml.) was added and the solution was evaporated to 20 ml. then water was added giving a yellow solid (1.60 g.). Crystallisation from acetone/hexane gave 16-(3'-oxobutyl)-androst-4-ene-3,l7- dione as blades, M.P. 162-164" C., [a];; +148 (c., 0.87) 7\.,,,,,,, 240 mu (e 16,400).

A solution of the foregoing A -3-ketone (1.0 g.) and dichlorodicyanoquinone (1.0 g.) in dioxan (40 ml.) was refluxed, for 6 hours. The product was isolated in the usual way and crystallised from acetone/hexane to give 16 (3' oxobutyl)-androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, A 243 m (e, 14,500).

A solution of the foregoing 16-( 3'-oxobutyl)-compound (250 mg.) and potassium hydroxide (480 mg.) in ethanol (3 ml.) and water (3 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 30 minutes. The product was isolated with ether and purified by filtration through alumina followed by crystallisation from acetone/hexane to give penetara-l,4,17- (20)-triene-2,2l-dione, k 238 mp (e, 28,500).

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of IIfi-hydroxypentara-L4J 7 (20) triene-3,21-dine 3,3 ethylenedioxy 11,5 hydroxy-l6-(3'-oxobutyl)- androst-5-en-17-one (prepared as described in Example 3) was deketalised by means of aqueous acetic acid giving 115 hydroxy 16 (3'-oxobuty1)-androst-4-ene-3,17- dione from acetone/hexane as prisms, M.P. 174 C., [a] +l60.4- (c., 1.70), 241 mu (e 16,020).

A solution of the latter compound (1.30 g.) in dioxan (50 ml.) was treated with dichlorodicyanoquinone (1.00 g.) and refluxed for 6 hours. Isolation of the product in the usual way followed by crystallisation from acetone/hexane gave 1IB-hydroxy16-(3-oxobutyl)-androsta- 1,4-diene-3,l7-dione as needles, M.P. 226.5 C., [1:];{ +85.2 (c., 0.99), X 242 m (e 14,264).

A solution of the foregoing compound (0.94 g.) and potassium hydroxide (2.5 g.) in ethanol (20 ml.) and water (15 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 30 minutes, diluted with water, and isolated by means of ether. The organic phase was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. Crystallisation of the gummy residue from acetone/hexane gave llfi-hydroxypentara- 1,4,17(20)-triene-3,21-dione as blades, M,P, 208.5-209 C., [a] +15.8 (c., 1.00) k 238 m (e 28,700).

EXAMPLE 17 I Preparation of 11fl-hydr0xypentara-4,6,I7(20) triene-3,21-dione A solution of 11B-hydroxy-16-(3'-oxobutyl)-androst-4- ene-3,l7-dione (prepared as described in Example 16) (2.00 g.) in dry t-butanol (50 ml.) was treated with chloranil (5.00 g.) and refluxed with stirring for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled, excess chloranil was filtered off, washed with ether and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The gummy residue was dissolved in ether which was then washed with dilute aqueous potassium hydroxide, water, dried and evaporated giving a pale yellow crystalline solid which was crystallised from acetone/hexane to give 11fl-hydroxy-l6-(3'-oxobutyl)-androsta-4,6-diene-3,17-dione as needles, M.P. 221- 22l.5 C., [a] Zl33.6 (c., 0.79), k 282 m (e 24,400). I

A solution of the above compound (970 mg.) and potassium hydroxide (1.80 g.) in ethanol (10 ml.) and water (10 ml.) was refluxed under N; for 30 minutes. The product began to crystallise from the reaction mixture after 10 minutes. After 30 minutes the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 C. and the crystalline product filtered off and washed thoroughly with water, lried and crystallised from acetone to give llfi-hydroxypentara- 4,6,17(20)-triene-3,2l-dione as needles, M.P. 263.5-264" C., [a] -44.4 (c., 1.02), 237 mi (e 16,200), 280 mu (e 22,700).

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of 3a,]Ifi-dihydroxy-Sfl-pentarire-- A mixture of sodium methoxide (from 12 g. of sodium), ethyl fonmate (25 ml.), 3u,l1B-dihydroxy-5Bandrostan-l7-one (Harnik, J. Org. Chem. 1936, 28, 3386) (25 g.) and benzene ml.),was stir-red under nitrogen for 1 hour at room temperature and then reffuxed for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with water and the benzene layer separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ether and then acidified with dilute sulphuric acid. The precipitated 3u,11B-dihydroxy- 16-hydroxymethylene-SB-androstan-17-one was filtered, washed thoroughly with water, dried and used directly for the next stage of the synthesis.

A mixture of the foregoing l6-hydroxymethylene compound (22 g.), methyl vinyl ketone (20 ml.), pyridine (200 ml.) and triethylamine (10 ml.) was kept overnight at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure gave a gummy residue which was dissolved in benzene and chromatographed on alumina giving 3a,1l;9-dihydroxy-16-(3- oxobutyl) -5fi-androstan-17-one.

A solution of the foregoing 16-(3'-oxobutyl) compound (10 g.) and potassium hydroxide (20 g.) in ethanol (100 m1.) and water (100 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 30 minutes. This solution was cooled and the product precipitated with water was filtered and washed thoroughly with water giving 3a,1lfl-dihydroxy-Sfi-pentar- 17(20)-en-21-one, A 237 m (6 16,600).

13 EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 318,1 1 p-dihydroxyda-pemarl7(20)-en-21-0ne A mixture of sodium methoxide (from 14 g. of sodi- 'um), ethyl formate (30 ml.), 35,1119-dihydroxy-5a-androstan-l7-one (30 g.) and benzene (120 ml.) was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and then refluxed for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with water and the benzene layer separated. The aqueous phase was'extracted with ether and then acidified with dilute sulphuric acid. The precipitated 33,11 fi-dihydroxy- .16-hydroxymethylene-5a-androstan-17-one was filtered,

washed with water, dried and used without purification for the next stage of the synthesis.

A mixture of the foregoing lfi hydroxymethylene compound (24 g.), methyl vinyl ketone ml.), pyridine (250 ml.) and triethylamine (12 ml.) was kept overnight at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure gave a gummy residue which was dissolved in benzene. and chromat- EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 1 1fl-hydroxyJfl-pentar-"(ZO)- ene-3,21-dione A mixture of sodium methoxide (from 5 of sodium), ethyl formate (12 ml.), 3,3-e'thylenedioxy-1lp-hydroxy- 5B-androstan-17-one (12 g.) and benzene (100 ml.) was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, then refluxed for 1 hour- The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with water and the benzene layer separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ether and then treated with sodium acetate (5 g.) and cautiously acidified with 50% acetic acid. The precipitated 3,3ethylen-cdioxy-1lp-hydroxy-16-hydroxymethylene-Sfl-androstan-17-one was filtered, washed, dried and used without purification for the next reaction.

A mixture of the foregoing l6-hydroxymethylene compound (9 g.), methyl vinyl ketone (10 ml.), pyridine ml.) and triethylamine (3 ml.) was kept overnight at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure yielded a gummy residue which was dissolved in benzene and chromatographed on alumina to give 3,3-ethylenedioxy-l1fl-hydroxy-l6-(3'- oxobutyl)-5fi-androstan-17-one.

A solution of the foregoing product (4 g.) and potassium hydroxide (8 g.) in ethanol (40 ml.) and water (40 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 30 minutes. The solution was cooled and the product, precipitated with water, was collected, washed with water and dried.

The crude product (3.5 g.) from the previous reaction was treated with aqueous acetic acid (75%, 25 ml.) at 100 C. for 30 minutes.

filtered, washed with water, dried and crystallised from acetone/hexane as blades, M.P. 216.5-217 C., [0:] -3.5 (6., 1.05), k 236.5 mg. (e, 16,900).

EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of J 1p-hydI-Oxy-Sa-pentar-I 7 (20) -enc- 3,21 -dione A mixture of sodium methoxide (from 10 g. of sodium), ethyl formate (25 ml.), 3,3-ethylenedioxy-llp-hydroxy- 5a-androstan-l7-one (25 g.) and benzene (250 ml.) was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour then refluxed for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with ether and the benzene layer was separated. After extracting the aqueous phase with ether it was cautiously acidified with 50% aqueous acetic acid. The precipitated 3,3-ethylenedioxy 11,8 hydroxy 16 hydroxymethylene 5aandrostan-17-one was filtered, washed, dried and used without purification for the next reaction.

A mixture of the foregoing 16-hydroxymethylene com pound (21 g.), methyl vinyl ketone (20 ml.), pyridine (200 ml.) and triethylamine (8 ml.) was kept overnight at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. Evaporation of the solvents under reduced pressure yielded a gummy residue which was dissolved in benzene and chromatographed on alumina to give 3,3-ethylenedioxy- 1 lp-hydroxy-l6-(3'-oxobutyl)-5a-androstan-17-one.

A solution of the foregoing product (9 g.) and potassium hydroxide (18 g.) in ethanol (100 ml.) and water (100 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 30 minutes. The solution was cooled and the product, precipitated with water, was collected, washed with water and dried giving 3,3-ethylenedioxy-1lfl-hydroxy-5a-pentar-l7(20) en-21- one.

The crude product (7.5 g.) from the previous reaction was treated with aqueous acetic acid (75%, 50 ml.) at 100 C. for 30 minutes. Precipitation with water gave a crystalline solid, 11fl-hydroxy-5u-pentar-17(20)-ene-3,21- dione, which was washed with water, dried and crystal- The product, llp-hydmxy-Sp- 1 pentar-17(20)-ene-3,21-dione, was precipitated with water,

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of d-formyl-IIB-hydroxyJ-methoxyv pentara-3 ,5 ,1 7 ('20) -trien-21 -ne A solution of 11fl-hydroxy-B-methoxyandrosta-3,S-dien- 17-one (9.15 g.) in methylene chloride (60 ml.) and pyridine (1.5 ml.) was added to a solution of the Vilsmeier complex prepared at 0 C. from phosphorus oxychloride (9.8 ml.) in methylene chloride (45 ml.) and dimethyl formamide (30 ml.) in methylene chloride (50 1111.). After 1 hour at 0 C. the reaction mixture was stirred vigorously with aqueous sodium acetate (10%, 500 ml.)

for 20 minutes then the product was isolated by means of ether. The product, a gummy solid, was suspended in methanol (200 ml.), treated with potassium hydroxide (2.5 g.) in water (20 ml.) and stirred at room temperature overnight. The product was precipitated with water, filtered, washed with water, dried, and crystallised from methylene chloride/methanol to give 6-formyl-11fl-hydroxy-3-methoxyandrosta-3,S-dien-l7-one as prisms, M.P. 217 C., [04 -30 (c., 1.01) (CHCl A 219 m (e, 10,100) 323 my (a, 15,800).

A mixture of soduim methoxide (from 1.7 g. sodium), the foregoing compound (4.00 g.), ethyl formate (5 ml.) and benzene (125 ml.) was stirred at room temperature overnight under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and the aqueous phase separated and acidified with 50% acetic acid. The precipitated 16-hydroxymethylene derivative was collected, washed with water, dried and used directly for the following reaction.

A mixture of the 16hydroxymethylene compound (1.8 g.), methyl vinyl ketone (1.4 ml.), pyridine (20'ml.) and triethylamine (0.7 ml.) was stirred at room temperature overnight under anitrogen atmosphere. Evaporation of the solvents under vacuum gave a gummy residue which was dissolved in benzene and chromatographed on alumina (30 g.) to give 6-formyl-1lfl-hydroxy-3-methoxy-16- (3-oxobutyl)-androsta-3,5-dien-17-one, M.P. 2l1.5 C., [ab 19.2" (c., 0.28), A 219.5 m (6 10,300), A 323 m (a 16,000).

A solution of the foregoing 16-(3'-oxobutyl)-compound (60 mg.) and potassium hydroxide (1 g.) in ethanol (7 ml.) and water (3 ml.) was refluxed for 20 minutes under nitrogen. Precipitation with water gave a gummy solid which was filtered, washed with water, dried, dissolved in benzene and filtered through alumina. Crystallisation of the product from methanol gave 6-formyl-1lfi-hydroxy-3- methoxypentara-3,5,l7(2Q)-trien-21-one, as needles, M.P. 267-268 C., [M -184.5 (c., 0.52), A 238 me (e 00), A 322 m (e 16,800).

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 6 -cyan0-1 I fl-hydr0xy-3-meth0xypentara- 3,5,I 7(20)-trien-2I-0ne MeO A suspension of 6-formyl-1lfl-hydroxy-3-methoxyandrosta-3,5-dien-l7-one (5.6 g.) in methanol ml.) was treated with a solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.15 g.) and sodium acetate (2.5 g.) in water (10 ml.) and stirred at room temperature for 1% hours. Water (20 ml.) was added and the product filtered, washed with water, and crystallised from aqueous methanol to give llfl-hydroxy 6 hydroxyiminomethyl-3-methoxyandrosta-3,5-dien-17-one, as plates, M.P. -167 C., [111 -86.2 (c., 0.52), i 216.5 mg (e 8,480), 295 mg (a 19,600).

The foregoing oxime (5.6 g.) was acetylated with pyridine (20 ml.) and acetic anhydride (10 ml.) at room temperature overnight. The product was isolated with ether and the ether washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, water, dilute bicarbonate solution, water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The resultant gummy residue was heated on an oil bath at C. for 3 minutes under nitrogen. 0n cooling, the product crystallised and was purified from methanol to give 6-cyano-1l;8-hydroxy-3- methoxyandrosta-3,5-dien-17-one, as rods, M.P. 253 C., [Q -23.6 (c., 0.65) A 282 my (2 19,600).

A mixture of sodium methoxide (from 2 g. of sodium), the foregoing compound (4 g.) ethyl formate (4 ml.) and benzene (40 ml.) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and the aqueous phase acidified with 50% aqueous acetic acid. The precipitated 6-cyano-11fl-hydroxy-16-hydroxymethylene-3-methoxyandrosta-3,5 dien 17 one was filtered, washed with water, dried, and used without further purification for the next reaction.

A solution of the foregoing l6-hydroxymethylene compound (2.60 g.) in pyridine (30 ml.) was treated with imethyl vinyl ketone (1.5 ml.) and triethylamine (2 ml.)

under nitrogen for 7 hours at room temperature. Evaporation of the solvents gave a brown gum which was dissolved in benzene and chromatographed on alumina to give 6 cyano 1lfi-hydroxy-3-methoxy-16-(3'-oxobutyl)- androsta-3-5-dien-l7-one, crystallised from methanol as needles, M.P. 250 C., [1!]n -'14.4 (c., 0.40)"7\ 282 my (a 19,700).

A solution of the foregoing 16-oxobutyl compound (550 mg.) and potassium hydroxide (1.75 g.) in ethanol (20 ml.), benzene (5 ml.) and water (5 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 20 minutes. The condenser was removed and the benzene allowed to boil 01f. The reaction mixture was cooled and the crystalline precipitate filtered, washed with water, dried, and crystallised from chloroform/methanol to give 6-cyano-11fi-hydroxy-3- methoxypentara-3,5,17(20)-trien-21-one as plates, M.P. 307-309 C. (uncorrected), [a1 --165 (c., 0.43), A 235 m (e 18,600), i 282 me (6 20,200).

EXAMPLE 24 A mixture of sodium methoxide (from 4 g. of sodium), ethyl formate (8.5 ml.), 6-chloro-1Ifi-hydroXy-S methoxyandrosta-3,5-dien-17-one (8.5 g.) and benzene (85 ml.) was stirred under nitrogen for 1 hour at room temperature and then refluxed for 1 hour. Water was added to dissolve the precipitated solid and the aqueous solution was separated. After the addition of excess 30% aqueous sodium acetate, the stirred solution was neutralised by the dropwise addition of acetic acid and the precipitated 6 chloro 16 formyl 11B hydroxy 3 methoxyandrosta-3,5-dien-l7-one was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried.

A mixture of the foregoing compound (2.4 g.), freshly distilled methyl vinyl ketone (2.6 ml.), pyridine (30 ml.) and 'triethylamine (1 ml.) was kept overnight at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. The solvents were evaporated under vacuum and the residue, in benzene solution, was filtered through a column of alumina .(100 g.) to give 6-chloro-1lfi-hydroxy-Zl-methoxy-l6-(3'-oxobutyl)androsta-3,5rdien-l7-one.

A solution of the foregoing product (1 g.) and potassium hydroxide (2 g.) in water (15 ml.) and ethanol (15 ml.) was refluxed under nitrogen for 1 hour. The solution was cooled, the precipitated solidwas collected, and its solution in methanol (50 ml.) was treated with hydrochloric acid (2 ml.) at room temperature overnight. Dilution with water and crystallisation of the product from aqueous methanol gave 6a-chloro-11fl-hydroxypentara-4,l7(20)-diene-3,2l-dione as needles, M.P. 222.5 C., +39 (c., 1.0 in chloroform),

A212? 236 mu 6 30,000) EXAMPLE 25 Preparation 0 f 11B-hydroxy-3-methoxypentara- 3,5,1 7 (20) -trien-2I-one MeO A mixture of the foregoing compound (2 g), pyridine (20 ml.), triethylamine (1 ml.) and freshly distilled methyl vinyl ketone (2.5 ml.) was kept overnight at room temperature in an atmosphere of nitrogen. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was filtered through a column of alumina (50 g.) in benzene solution to yield 1lfi-hydroxy-B-methoxy-l6-(3'-oxobutyl -androsta-3,5-dienl7-one.

A solution of the foregoing product (1 g.) and potassium hydroxide (2.5 g.) in water (10 m1.) and ethanol (20 ml.) was heated under reflux for 1 hour. Dilution with water gave a solid which was crystallised from methylene chloride/methanol to give 1lB-hydroxy-3- methoxypentara-3,5,17(20)-trien-2l-one as needles, M.P. 217-220 C., [@1 --247.7 (c., 0.95) (dioxan), k 238.5 m (a, 32,500).

. EXAMPLE 26 7 Preparation of Sfi-hydroxypentara-SJ 7 (20)-dien-21-one A mixture of 3B-hydroxyandrost-5en-l7-one (4.5 g.), sodium methoxide (from 2 g. of sodium), dimethyl oxalate (4.00 g.) and benzene (50 ml.) was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, extracted with ether, and the aqueous phase acidified with dilute sulphuric acid. The precipitated 3B- hydroxy-l6-methoxyoxalylandrost 5 en 17 one (IV; R=CO Me) was filtered, washed with water, dried and used without purification for the next reaction.

A mixture of the foregoing oxalyl derivative (4.00 g), methyl vinyl ketone (4.0 ml.), triethylamine (2.0 ml.) and pyridine (40 ml.) was stirred at room temperature overnight under an atmosphere of N Evaporation of the solvents under reduced pressure gave a gummy residue which was dissolved in benzene and chromatographed on alumina to give BB-hydroxy-l6-(3'-oxobutyl)-androst-5- en-l7-one, identical with that prepared in Example 1.

p The BB-hydroxy-16-(3'oxobutyl)-androst-5-en-17-one was then converted to 3/S-hydroxypentara-5,17(20)-dien- 21-one inthe manner described in Example 1.

We claim:

1. A process for the preparation of pentacyclic stenoids having the partial formula where R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group containing up to 6 carbon atoms and an aryl group, said process comprising condensing a 16- in which R' is selected from the group consisting of H and CO AIk with a reagent having the formula ii RCHPCCH=CH1 where R has the same meaning as above, under basic conditions to yield a l6'(3'-oxoalkyl)-l7-oxo steroid having the partial structure R.CH

where R has the same meaning as above, and reacting the intermediate with a strong basic reagent to elfect cyolisatiotn.

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the 16- snhstituted 17-oxo steroid (IV) in an inert solvent is reacted with methyl vinyl kebone in the presence of an amine selected from the group consisting of trimethylamine and triethylamine to yield the 16-(3-oxoalkyl)-17- oxo steroid (V).

3. A process as claimed in claim 2 wherein the reaction is carried out in an inert atmosphere and at a temperature between 0 to 50 C.

4. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the 16- (3'-oxoalkyl)-l7-oxo steroidal intermediate (V) is reacted with a 10% solution of an alkali hydroxide seleoted from the group consisting of sodium and potassium hydroxide in aqueous ethanol.

5. A process as claimed in claim 4 wherein the reaaetion is carried out in an inert atmosphere at the refluxing temperature of the mixture and a reaction time of /2 to 6 hours.

6. 3 fl-hydroxypentara-S ,17 (20) -dien-2 l-one.

7. 3fl-acetoxypentara-5,17(20)-dien-21-one.

8. Pentara-4,l7(20)-dien-3,21-di0ne.

9. 3fi-hydroxy-G-methyl/pentara-S,17(20) dien 21- one.

one.

one.

one.

one.

21. tS-dimethylaminomefihyl-El-methoxypentara 3,5, 17(20)'-triecn-21-0ne. v

22. 3fi-hydroxypenitara-5,9(1 1),l7(20)-trien-21-one.

4 23. B-methoxy-19-ntonpentara-1,3,5(10),17(20) tetrae'n-21-one.

24. Petara-1,4,17(20) -triene-3,21-dione.

25. 1 IB-hydroxypentara-1,4,17(20)-triene-3,21-dione.

26. 11/3-hydr0Xypentara-4,6,17(20)-triezne-3,2l-dione.

27. 3u,1ledihydroxy-Spwentanl7(20)-en-2l-one.

28. 3 B, 1 l fl-dihydroxy-a-pentar-l7 (20)-en-2 l-one.

30. 1 1fi-hydroXy-Sa-pentar-17(20) -ene-3,21-dione.

31. 6-formyl-1lp-hydroxy 3 methoxypentara-SJ, 17(20)-trien-2l-one.

3fl-ateetoxy-6-methylpentara-5,17(20) dien 21- 6u-methylpentara-4, 17 (20) -diene-3,21-dione.

1 1,3 hydroxypentara-4,17(20)-diene-3,21-dione. Pentara-4, 17(20) -diene-3 ,1 1,21-trione.

1 1u-hydroxypentara-4,17(20)-diene-3,21-dione. 3-methoxypenttara-3,5,17 (20) -trien-21-one.

3 19-hydroxy-ZO-methylpentara-S 17 20) dien 2 1- 2a-methylpentara-4,17(20)-diene-3,21-dione. 4-methylpentara-4,l7(20)-diene-3,21-dione. 6-fluoro-3fi-hydroxypentara-S,17(20) dien 21- 3-methoxy-6-methylpentara-3,5,17(20) trien 21- 32. G-eyano-llfi-hydroiry 3 metthoxypentara s 3,5,v

17(20)-trien-21-one.

33. 6u-chloro-llp-hydroxypentana 4,17(20) diene- 3,21-di0ne.

34. 1lfi-hydroxy-S-methoxypentara 3,5,17(20)-trien- 21-one. i

35. A compound having the formula SL\ wherein R is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R is 0x0, oxirno, hydroxy or lower alkanoyloxy, and S is a steroid nucleus selected from the following:

R is hydrogen or wmethyl, R in (a) is hydroxyl, lower alkanoyloxy, or 3,3- lower alkylene dioxy, in (b) is 0x0, in (c) and (f) is lower alkoxy, in (d) is B-hydroxy or 0x0 and in References Cited by the Examiner F Whydmxy UNITED STATES PATENTS R is hydrogen or methyl, R in (a) and (b) is1hydr0gen, lower alkyl, or halogen 3,178,459 1965 Pike 260-397.4

31213;? is hydrogen, ormy CH N(CH 01 5 OTHER REFERENCES R is hydrogen, a-hydroxyl, fl-hydnoxyl, or 0x0, and Nasipuri et 41.: J. Chem. 800., August 1961, pp. 336L- (g) the corresponding l-dehydro derivatives of (a) and 3366- (h) the corresponding 6-dehydro derivatives of (b), and 10 LEWIS GOTTS P'mmry (i) the eorresponding 9(11)-'rehydro derivatives of (a) JOHNNIE R. BROWN, Assistant Examiner.

and (b) except where R is 0x0. 

35. A COMPOUND HAVING THE FORMULA 